The Supreme Court of India has transferred Justice Yashwant Verma back to the Allahabad High Court after ₹15 crore in unaccounted cash was reportedly found at his home during a police probe triggered by a fire.

Case Brief

The story is that a fire broke out in the residential bungalow of Hon'ble Justice Yashwant Verma and the family members called the fire brigade and the police. After the fire was doused, the police found a huge amount of cash inside a room, leading to official entries being made about the recovery of unaccounted money amounting to Rs.15 crores.

Allahabad High Court: A “Trash Bin”?

The move has raised concerns about whether the Allahabad High Court is becoming a “trash bin” for controversial judges. With a shortage of judges, this decision brings up serious questions about the court’s credibility.  

Legal experts point out flaws in the judicial appointment process, especially the lack of proper background checks. Critics say such decisions weaken public trust, especially since the Supreme Court has previously flagged issues with the court’s efficiency.

Something is lacking which has resulted in corruption and, consequently, great damage has been caused to the "public faith in the judiciary." We cannot say that this situation is not in the knowledge of the Hon'ble Apex Court. Time and again, the Hon'ble Apex Court has observed about the Allahabad High Court like "Something rotten in Allahabad High Court."

Recently, a Supreme Court bench in Kamlabai vs. High Court of Judicature at Allahabad highlighted serious issues in the court’s case management. Justice Verma’s transfer has heightened concerns, sparking urgent questions about judicial accountability and the need for reforms.

''Presently, we are facing so many problems particularly shortage of judges resulting into fresh cases not being heard for months thereby diminishing the faith of public in the rule of law but it does not mean that we are thrash bin. We are not ready to accept corruption.'' , said Ankit Tiwari, President of Allahabad High Court Bar Association